Retrofitting grass trimming apparatus with spinning support guide

ABSTRACT

A kit for retrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide includes a base mount disc, a semispherical base, a guide fastener having a head with a hexagonal opening, one or more spacer discs, one or more disc fasteners, and a hex key. Furthermore, the base mount disc is adapted to affix to the semispherical base with the one or more disc fasteners and define a chamber for partially housing the guide fastener therein, and the hex key is adapted to rotate the guide fastener to threadably attach to a threaded receptacle on an underside of the grass trimming apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, the following: (1) U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/426,066, filed Dec. 22, 2010,which '066 application is incorporated by reference herein, and a copyof which is attached hereto as Appendix A and incorporated herein byreference, and (2) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.61/489,248, filed May 23, 2011, which '248 application is incorporatedby reference herein, and a copy of which is attached hereto as AppendixB and incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to trimming devices. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to grass trimming devicessuch as edgers and weed eaters. Generally, such devices are required tobe carried and supported by a user while in use. A number of attachablesupport devices exist.

For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0005674 A1 toPowell discloses a support assembly guide for a weed and grass trimmercomprising a disc joined to a bowed support shaft clamped to thetrimmer's shaft. The bowed support member extends around a shield toposition the disc below the rotating head of the trimmer.

A number of patents disclose wheeled support members, including U.S.Pat. No. 7,107,745 to Dunda, in which the wheeled assembly attaches to aweed trimmer shaft and extends in front of the trimmer Another—U.S. Pat.No. 6,745,549 to Taylor—also discloses a wheeled support member thatattaches to a trimmer shaft.

Even in view of these references, it is believed that a need exists forimprovement in grass trimming devices. This, and other needs, areaddressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of a spinning support guide for a trimming device, the presentinvention is not limited to use only in trimming devices, as will becomeapparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions ofaspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, broadly defined, one aspect of the present inventionrelated to a motorized trimming apparatus. An exemplary such apparatusincludes a trimmer head assembly having a spinning support guide, amotor, and a shaft. Furthermore, the trimmer head assembly is disposedat a first end of the shaft and the motor is disposed proximate a secondend of the shaft.

In a feature of this aspect of the present invention, the spinningsupport guide is affixed to a lower end of the trimmer head assembly.

In another feature, the spinning support guide is affixed to a rotatableportion of the trimmer head assembly.

In yet another feature, the spinning support guide comprises a basemount disc and a base. In a variation of this feature, the base mountdisc is permanently affixed to a lower end of the trimmer head assembly.In another variation, the base mount disc is detachable from the lowerend of the trimmer head assembly. In still another variation, thespinning support guide further comprises one or more spacer discsdisposed between the base mount disc and the base.

In another variation, the base mount disc includes a first apertureleading to an embedded threaded receptacle, the base includes a secondaperture therethrough, and a threaded bottom fastener is adapted topenetrate both the second aperture and the first aperture and threadablyfasten to the embedded threaded receptacle.

In still another variation, the apparatus further includes one or morespacer discs, each spacer disc including a central aperture therethroughadapted to accept the threaded bottom fastener, wherein each spacer discis disposed between the base mount disc and the base and held in placeby the threaded bottom fastener.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a spinning supportguide for a trimmer head assembly as substantially shown and described.An exemplary such apparatus includes a base mount disc having a basemount disc secured to a lower end of the trimmer head assembly, a baseremovably attached to the base mount disc via a bottom fastener, and oneor more spacer discs disposed between the base mount disc and the base.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the base mount disccomprises an embedded threaded receptacle adapted to threadably receiveand secure the bottom fastener. In a variation of this feature, theembedded threaded receptacle is a recessed nut. In a further variation,each of the base and the one or more spacer discs includes a centrallydisposed aperture therethrough, the apertures defining an openingaligned with the embedded threaded receptacle and adapted to receive thebottom fastener.

In another feature of this aspect of the invention, the base is asemispherical base.

In yet another feature, the one or more spacer discs includes a firstspacer disc with a first thickness and a second spacer disc with asecond thickness. In a variation of this feature, the first thickness isdifferent from the second thickness.

In still another feature, the base mount disc is secured to the lowerend of the trimmer head assembly by one or more flush mount machinescrews.

In a further feature, the bottom fastener is a machine screw.

In still another feature, one or more spacer discs and the base areconstructed from plastic material.

In yet another feature, the one or more spacer discs and the base eachhave a diameter of approximately two and one-half inches (2½″).

In still another feature, each the one or more spacer discs has athickness between three-eighths inch (⅜″) and one and five-eighthsinches (1⅝″).

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a spinning supportguide for a trimmer head assembly. An exemplary such spinning supportguide includes a base mount disc, having an embedded threadedreceptacle, the base mount disc being secured to the lower end of thetrimmer head assembly by one or more flush mount machine screws; one ormore spacer discs, each including a central aperture, each of the one ormore spacer discs being disposed between the base mount disc and thebase; a semispherical base, having a central aperture; and a bottomfastener. Furthermore, the bottom fastener is adapted to penetrate thecentral aperture of the base and the central apertures of the one ormore spacer discs and threadingly attach to the embedded threadedreceptacle so as to secure the base and the one or more spacer discs tothe base mount disc.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using agrass trimming apparatus. An exemplary such method includes the steps ofproviding a grass trimming apparatus, including a trimmer head assemblyhaving a spinning support guide at a bottom portion thereof, and acutting mechanism positioned above the spinning support guide; holdingthe grass trimming apparatus in an operable position; placing thespinning support guide on a trimmable surface, whereby the spinningsupport guide provides a point of contact between the grass trimmingapparatus and the trimmable surface; activating the cutting mechanism;trimming the cutting surface to a desired height; and moving the grasstrimming apparatus along the trimmable surface while maintaining thepoint of contact.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the grass trimmingapparatus further includes a shaft and a motor; wherein the motor isdisposed proximate a first end of the shaft and the trimmer headassembly is disposed proximate a second end of the shaft; and whereinthe motor propels the cutting mechanism. In a variation of this feature,the shaft includes a handle portion adapted for holding the grasstrimming apparatus in an operable position.

In another feature of this aspect of the invention, the method furtherincludes the step of adjusting the desired height by altering thespinning support guide. In a variation of this feature, altering thespinning support guide includes the steps of: detaching a base portionof the spinning support guide; adding one or more spacer discs to thespinning support guide; and reattaching the base portion of the spinningsupport guide. In a further variation each of the one or more spacerdiscs has a thickness of between three-eighths inch (⅜″) and one andfive-eighths inches (1⅝″).

In yet another feature, the support mechanism is semispherical.

In still another feature, the support mechanism includes a mountingportion and a semispherical base.

In a further feature, the trimmable surface includes grass.

In an additional feature, the trimmable surface includes weeds.

In still another feature, the trimmable surface includes shrubbery.

In another feature, the trimmable surface includes non-organic material.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using agrass trimming apparatus. An exemplary such method includes the steps ofproviding a grass trimming apparatus having a trimmer head assembly;providing a spinning support guide, including: a base mount disc; abase; and a base fastener; affixing the base mount disc to a lowerportion of the trimmer head assembly; attaching the base to the basemount disc with the base fastener; placing the base on a trimmablesurface; and operating the grass trimming apparatus.

A feature of this aspect of the invention includes the steps of:detaching the base from the base mount disc; placing one or more spacerdiscs adjacent the base mount disc; and reattaching the base with thebase fastener such that the one or more spacer discs are disposedbetween the base mount disc and the base. In a variation of thisfeature, the base fastener is adapted to pass through openings in thebase and the one or more spacer discs and threadably attach to anembedded threaded receptacle within the base mount disc.

In another feature, the base mount disc is cylindrical.

In yet another feature, the base is semispherical.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of attachinga fixture for a trimmer head assembly. An exemplary such method includesthe steps of securing a base mount disc with an imbedded threadedreceptacle to a lower end of the trimmer head assembly; placing a firstspacer disc with a central aperture and a first thickness proximate thebase mount disc; placing a semispherical base with a central apertureproximate the spacer disc; inserting a base fastener through the centralaperture of the semispherical base and the central aperture of thespacer disc; and threading the base fastener into the imbedded threadedreceptacle.

A feature of this aspect further includes unthreading the base fastenerfrom the imbedded threaded receptacle; withdrawing the base fastenerfrom the central threaded receptacles; placing a second spacer dischaving a central aperture and a second thickness between the firstspacer disc and the semispherical base; reinserting the base fastenerthrough the central apertures of the first spacer disc, the secondspacer disc, and the semispherical base; and threading the base fastenerinto the imbedded threaded receptacle.

Another feature of the present invention relates to a kit forretrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide.An exemplary kit includes a base mount disc; a base; one or more spacerdiscs; a base mount disc attachment means; and a base attachment means.Furthermore, the base mount disc is adapted to be affixed to a grasstrimming device by the base mount disc attachment means. Further still,the base attachment means is adapted to removably attach the base andthe one or more spacer discs to the base mount disc.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the base mount disc iscylindrical.

In another feature, the base is semispherical.

In yet another feature, the base mount disc attachment means comprises aplurality of flush mount screws adapted to penetrate completely throughthe base mount disc and partial through a lower portion of the grasstrimming apparatus.

In another feature still, the base attachment means comprises a threadedreceptacle embedded within the base mount disc and a threaded screwadapted to threadingly mate with the threaded receptacle. In a variationof this feature, each of the base and the one or more spacer discsincludes a centrally located aperture. In yet another variation thethreaded screw is sized to pass through the centrally located apertures.

In another feature of the present aspect, the base mount disc, the oneor more spacer discs and the base are constructed from a plasticmaterial.

In a further feature, the one or more spacer discs and the base eachhave a diameter of approximately two and one-half inches (2½″).

In still another feature, each of the one or more spacer discs has athickness between three-eighths inch (⅜″) and one and five-eighthsinches (1⅝″).

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates a method ofretrofitting a spinning support guide to a grass trimming dev apparatus.An exemplary such method includes the steps of providing a kit forretrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide;providing a grass trimming apparatus, including a trimmer head assembly;affixing, via the base mount disc attachment means, the base mount discto a lower, rotatable portion of the trimmer head assembly; andattaching, via the base attachment means, the base to the base mountdisc. Furthermore, an exemplary kit includes a base mount disc; a base;one or more spacer discs; a base mount disc attachment means; and a baseattachment means.

A feature of this aspect further includes the step of placing, prior toattaching the base to the base mount disc, a first spacer disc of theone or more spacer discs proximate the base mount disc, such that uponattachment of the base, the first spacer disc is disposed between thebase mount disc and the base. A variation of this feature furtherincludes the step of placing, prior to attaching the base to the basemount disc, a second spacer disc of the one or more spacer discsproximate the first spacer disc, such that upon attachment of the basethe first spacer disc and the second spacer disc are disposed betweenthe base mount disc and the base. In another variation the first spacerdisc has a first thickness and the second spacer disc has a secondthickness, and wherein the first thickness is not equal to the secondthickness.

In another aspect of the invention, a spinning support guide for atrimmer head assembly includes a base mount disc having an imbeddedthreaded receptacle; one or more spacer discs, each having a centralaperture; a base having a central aperture; and a bottom fastener. Thebase mount disc is secured to a lower end of the trimmer head assembly,and preferably the housing of the trimming line, by one or morefasteners; the one or more spacer discs are disposed between the basemount disc and the base; and the bottom fastener is adapted to extendthrough the central apertures of the base and the one or more spacerdiscs and threadingly attach to the imbedded threaded receptacle so asto secure the base and the one or more spacer discs to the base mountdisc.

In an alternative to this aspect, the base is directly attached to thehousing.

In yet another alternative aspect to this, the base is integrally formedwith the housing. In a feature thereof, one or more spacers also areintegrally formed with the housing and the base so as to form asingle-piece component defining the spinning support guide.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a motorized trimmingapparatus. An exemplary such apparatus includes a trimmer head assembly,including a spinning support guide; motor; and a shaft. Furthermore, thetrimmer head assembly is disposed at a first end of the shaft and themotor is disposed proximate a second end of the shaft.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the spinning support guideis affixed to a lower end of the trimmer head assembly.

In another feature, the spinning support guide is affixed to a rotatableportion of the trimmer head assembly.

In yet another feature, the spinning support guide comprises a basemount disc and a semispherical base.

In a variation of this feature, the spinning support guide ispermanently affixed to a lower end of the trimmer head assembly.

In yet another variation, the spinning support guide is detachable fromthe lower end of the trimmer head assembly.

In still another variation, the spinning support guide further comprisesone or more spacer discs disposed between the base mount disc and thesemispherical base.

In another variation, the spinning support guide includes a guidefastener, the guide fastener configured to affix the spinning supportguide to a threaded receptacle at the lower end of the trimmer headassembly.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a spinning supportguide for a trimmer head assembly. An exemplary such spinning supportguide includes base mount disc; a base, secured to the base mount disc;and one or more spacer discs, disposed between the base mount disc andthe base.

In a feature of this aspect, the spinning support guide comprises guidefastener embedded within the spinning support guide, the guide fasteneradapted to affix the spinning support guide to an underside of thetrimmer head assembly.

In a variation of this feature, the guide fastener is threaded andadapted to threadably attach to an integral threaded receptacle on theunderside of the trimmer head assembly.

In still another variation, the guide fastener includes a head with ahexagonal opening adapted for use with a hex key.

In another feature, the base is a semispherical base.

In still another feature, the one or more spacer discs includes a firstspacer disc with a first thickness and a second spacer disc with asecond thickness.

In a variation of this feature, the first thickness is different fromthe second thickness.

In another feature, the base mount disc is secured to the base by one ormore disc fasteners.

In a variation of this feature, the one or more disc fasteners are flushmount machine screws.

In a feature, the one or more spacer discs and the base are constructedfrom plastic material.

In yet another feature, each of the one or more spacer discs has athickness between three-eighths inch (⅜″) and one and five-eighthsinches (1⅝″).

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a spinning supportguide for a trimmer head assembly. An exemplary such spinning supportguide includes a semispherical base; a base mount disc, the base mountdisc being secured to the semispherical base by one or more flush mountmachine screws; one or more spacer discs, each including a centralaperture, each of the one or more spacer discs being disposed betweenthe base mount disc and the semispherical base; and a guide fastenerembedded within the spinning support guide. Furthermore, the guidefastener is adapted to threadingly attach to a threaded receptacle in anunderside of the trimmer head assembly so as to secure the spinningsupport guide to the trimmer head assembly.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using agrass trimming apparatus. An exemplary such method includes the stepsof: providing a grass trimming apparatus, including a trimmer headassembly having a spinning support guide at a bottom portion thereof,and a cutting mechanism positioned above the spinning support guide;holding the grass trimming apparatus in an operable position; placingthe spinning support guide on a trimmable surface, whereby the spinningsupport guide provides a point of contact between the grass trimmingapparatus and the trimmable surface; activating the cutting mechanism;trimming the cutting surface to a desired height; and moving the grasstrimming apparatus along the trimmable surface while maintaining thepoint of contact.

In a feature of this aspect, the grass trimming apparatus furtherincludes a shaft and a motor; wherein the motor is disposed proximate afirst end of the shaft and the trimmer head assembly is disposedproximate a second end of the shaft; and wherein the motor propels thecutting mechanism.

In a variation of this feature, the shaft includes a handle portionadapted for holding the grass trimming apparatus in an operableposition.

In another feature, the method further includes the step of adjustingthe desired height by altering the spinning support guide.

In a variation of this feature, altering the spinning support guideincludes the steps of: detaching the spinning support guide from thebottom portion of the trimmer head assembly; adding one or more spacerdiscs to the spinning support guide; and reattaching the spinningsupport guide to the bottom portion of the timer head assembly.

In another variation, each of the one or more spacer discs has athickness of between three-eighths inch (⅜″) and one and five-eighthsinches (1⅝″).

In another feature of this aspect of the invention, the spinning supportguide includes a semispherical base.

In yet another feature, the spinning support guide includes a base mountdisc and a semispherical base.

In still another feature, the trimmable surface includes grass.

In still another feature, the trimmable surface includes weeds.

In yet another feature, the trimmable surface includes shrubbery.

In another feature still, the trimmable surface includes non-organicmaterial.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using agrass trimming apparatus. An exemplary such method includes the stepsof: providing a grass trimming apparatus having a trimmer head assembly;providing a spinning support guide, including a base, a base mount disc,and a guide fastener; disposing the guide fastener in an opening in thebase; attaching the base mount disc to the base with one or more discfasteners, partially embedding the guide fastener; affixing the spinningsupport guide to an underside of the trimmer head assembly; placing thespinning support guide on a trimmable surface; and operating the grasstrimming apparatus.

A feature of this aspect of the invention further includes the steps of:detaching the spinning support guide from the underside of the trimmerhead assembly; detaching the base mount disc from the base; placing oneor more spacer discs adjacent the base; reattaching the base mount discto the base with the one or more spacer discs disposed therebetween; andreattaching the spinning support guide to the underside of the trimmerhead assembly.

In a variation of this feature, the guide fastener is adapted to passthrough openings in the base mount disc and the one or more spacer discsand threadably attach to a threaded receptacle on the underside of thetrimmer head assembly.

In a feature of this aspect, the base mount disc is cylindrical.

In yet another feature, the base is semispherical.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of attachinga fixture for a trimmer head assembly. An exemplary such method includesremoving a threaded end cap fastener from a threaded receptacle on anunderside of the trimmer head assembly, providing a spinning supportguide, including a threaded guide fastener having a head with ahexagonal opening, aligning the guide fastener with the threadedreceptacle, threadably attaching the guide fastener to the threadedreceptacle, thus securing the spinning support guide to the underside ofthe trimmer head assembly.

In a feature of this aspect, the guide fastener is threadably attachedusing a hex key.

In yet another feature, the guide fastener is threadably attached usingan Allen wrench.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a kit forretrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide.An exemplary such kit includes a base mount disc, a base, and a guidefastener. Furthermore, the base mount disc is adapted to affix to thebase and define a chamber for partially housing the guide fastenertherein, and the guide fastener is adapted to threadably attach to athreaded receptacle on an underside of the grass trimming apparatus.

In a feature of this aspect of the present invention, the kit furtherincludes one or more spacer discs.

In a variation of this feature, the one or more spacer discs and thebase each have a diameter of approximately two and one-half inches(2½″).

In another variation, each of the one or more spacer discs has athickness between three-eighths inch (⅜″) and one and five-eighthsinches (1⅝″).

In another feature, the kit includes one or more disc fasteners forattaching the base mount disc to the base.

In a variation of this feature, the one or more disc fasteners areflush-mount machine screws.

In yet another feature, the base is a semispherical base.

In still another feature, the guide fastener includes a head with ahexagonal opening.

In a variation of this feature, the kit further comprises a hex key forrotating the guide fastener.

In another feature, the base mount disc is cylindrical.

In still another feature, the base mount disc includes a centrallylocated aperture.

In another feature still, the base mount disc and base are constructedfrom a plastic material.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a kit forretrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide.An exemplary such kit includes a base mount disc; a semispherical base;a guide fastener having a head with a hexagonal opening; one or morespacer discs; one or more disc fasteners; and a hex key. Furthermore,the base mount disc is adapted to affix to the semispherical base withthe one or more disc fasteners and define a chamber for partiallyhousing the guide fastener therein, and the hex key is adapted to rotatethe guide fastener to threadably attach to a threaded receptacle on anunderside of the grass trimming apparatus.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method ofretrofitting a spinning support guide to a grass trimming apparatus. Anexemplary such method includes the steps of: providing a kit forretrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide,the kit including: a base mount disc; a base; one or more spacer discs;a guide fastener including a head with a hexagonal opening; one or moredisc fasteners; and a hex key; providing a grass trimming apparatus,including a trimmer head assembly having a threaded receptacle on theunderside thereof; attaching the base mount disc to the base with theone or more disc fasteners, such that the guide fastener is partiallydisposed within the base; aligning the guide fastener with the threadedreceptacle; and rotating the guide fastener with the hex key, therebythreadably attaching the guide fastener to the threaded receptacle.

A feature of this aspect includes the step of placing, prior toattaching the base to the base mount disc, a first spacer disc of theone or more spacer discs between the base mount disc and the base, suchthat upon attachment of the base, the first spacer disc is disposedbetween the base mount disc and the base.

In a variation of this feature, the method further includes the step ofplacing, prior to attaching the base to the base mount disc, a secondspacer disc of the one or more spacer discs proximate the first spacerdisc, such that upon attachment of the base the first spacer disc andthe second spacer disc are disposed between the base mount disc and thebase.

In another variation of this feature, the first spacer disc has a firstthickness and the second spacer disc has a second thickness, and whereinthe first thickness is not equal to the second thickness.

In another feature of this aspect, the base is a semispherical base.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention furtherencompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations ofsuch aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combinedwith an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present inventionwithout requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereinthe same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, andwherein,

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a grass trimmingapparatus including a trimmer head assembly with a spinning supportguide in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the trimmer head assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the trimmer headassembly including the spinning support guide taken along line 3-3 inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another trimmer headassembly including a spinning support guide in accordance with one ormore aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another trimmerhead assembly including a spinning support guide in accordance with oneor more aspects of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the trimmer head assembly of the grass trimmingapparatus of FIG. 1 being used to trim grass;

FIGS. 5A-5C are side views of the trimmer head assembly of FIG. 1 beingused to trim grass at various angles of operation;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of agrass trimming apparatus including a trimmer head assembly with aspinning support guide in accordance with one or more aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of the trimmer head assembly of FIG.6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the trimmer headassembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a detailed bottom view of a portion of the trimmer headassembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the trimmer headassembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a grasstrimming apparatus including a trimmer head assembly with a spinningsupport guide in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the trimmer head assembly of FIG. 11with a standard end cap;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the trimmer head assembly of FIG. 11with the spinning support guide removed and standard end cap removed;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the standard end cap of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the spinning support guide of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the spinning support guide of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the spinning support guide of FIG.11 taken along line 17-17;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the spinning support guide of FIG. 11;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the spinning support guide of FIG. 11;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the trimmer head assembly of FIG. 11; and

FIGS. 21 and 22 are bottom views of the trimmer head assembly of FIG.11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the presentinvention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate onlyone or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention andmay further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosedfeatures. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosedby the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element isintended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unlessthe explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in suchclaim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to applyin the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are next described. The following description of oneor more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in noway intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grass trimming apparatus 50, includinga trimmer head assembly 12 with a spinning support guide 10 inaccordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. The spinning support guide 10 is removably attached to theunderside of the housing 14 for the trimming line 15 and is adjustablein spacing relative to the housing 14. In alternative embodiments, thespinning support guide 10 is permanently fixed to the housing 14. Forexample, the spinning support guide 10 may be integrally formed with aportion of the housing 14.

The spinning support guide 10 defines a point of contact between thegrass trimming apparatus 50 and the ground when the grass trimmingapparatus 50 is used, and preferably defines the sole point of contact.The shape of the spinning support guide 10 preferably is rounded. Forexample, the shape may be semispherical, similar to half of a ball.

The rounded shape is believed to minimize the surface area of the pointof contact between the grass trimming apparatus 50 and the ground whenthe grass trimming apparatus is used, thereby reducing friction betweenthe spinning support guide 10 and the ground that otherwise might beexperienced with a different shape of the spinning support guide 10. Itis believed that such reduced friction, in turn, allows a user to moreeasily maneuver the grass trimming apparatus 50 along the ground as wellas operate the grass trimming apparatus at different angles to theground for trimming and edging.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the trimmer head assembly 12 of FIG. 1.FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken at line 3-3 of the spinningsupport guide 10 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views ofalternate embodiments of a spinning support guide in accordance with oneor more aspects of the present invention, wherein like elements arereferred to with like reference numbers. (Note that in FIGS. 3, 3A and3B, for the purpose of clarity, the fasteners 18,24,124,224 are notshown in cross-section.)

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the spinning support guide 10 includes a basemount disc 16, a spacer disc 20, and a semispherical base 22. In one ormore alternative embodiments, as seen in FIG. 3A, the spinning supportguide 10′ does not include a spacer disc. In one or more alternativeembodiments, as seen in FIG. 3B, the spinning support guide 10″ includesmore than one spacer disc 20.

Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base mount disc 16 is secured to theunderside of the housing 14 by two or more fasteners 18, such as flushmount machine screws. The base mount disc 16 includes acentrally-located bolt opening therethrough, leading to an embeddedthreaded receptacle 25, such as a recessed nut. The spacer disc 20includes a central bolt opening therethrough and is disposed between thebase mount disc 16 and the semispherical base 22. The use of multiplespacer discs 20, as seen in FIG. 3B, allows a user to adjust the cuttingheight of the grass trimming apparatus 50.

As will be appreciated from FIG. 4, the spinning support guide 10includes a semispherical base 22, a portion of which is in directcontact with the ground 30 when the grass trimming apparatus 50 is used.The shape of the semispherical base 22 easily allows a user to tilt andangle the grass trimming apparatus 50 for trimming and edging. It willbe appreciated that the point of contact with the ground will changedepending on the angle of operation.

Referring back to FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, the semispherical base 22 includesa central bolt opening therethrough, sized to accommodate a bottomfastener 24, such as a bolt or a machine screw. The bottom fastener 24is adapted to be inserted through the bolt holes of the semisphericalbase 22, the one or more spacer discs 20 and the base mount disc 16, andthreadably attach to the embedded threaded receptacle 25, therebysecuring the spinning support guide 10 to the underside of the trimmingarea 14. It will be appreciated that a bottom fastener 124 of reducedlength, as seen in FIG. 3A, may be used when no spacers are included inthe spinning support guide 10. It will further be appreciated that abottom fastener 224 of increased length, as seen in FIG. 3B, may be usedwhen more than one spacer 20 is included in the spinning support guide10 trimmer head assembly.

In one or more preferred embodiments, the spacer disc 20 and thesemispherical base 22 are constructed from plastic material having adiameter of about two-and-one-half (2½) inches. The thickness of thespacer disc 20 may vary. It is contemplated that the spinning supportguide 10 may accommodate spacer discs 20 having a thickness from aboutthree-eighths of an inch (⅜″) to about one-and-five-eighths inches(1⅝″).

To adjust the height of the spinning support guide 10, a user removesthe base 22 and adds, removes, or replaces one or more of the spacerdiscs 20. To accomplish this, a user rotatably loosens the bottomfastener 24 from the embedded threaded receptacle 25. The user thenremoves the bottom fastener 24 and either adds one or more spacer discs20 to be disposed between the base mount disc 16 and the base 22, and/orremoves one or more spacer discs 20 disposed between the base mount disc16 and the base 22. Finally, the user reattaches the bottom fastener 24to secure the base 22, as well as any of the one or more spacer discs20, to the base mount disc 16.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the grass trimming apparatus 50 of FIG. 1 inuse. As shown, the spinning support guide 10 is placed upon ground 30having untrimmed grass 26. The semispherical base 22 of the spinningsupport guide 10 preferably provides the sole contact between the grasstrimming apparatus and the ground 30. The support thereby provided bythe spinning support guide 10 relieves the user of the burden and strainof supporting the full weight of the grass trimming apparatus 50. It isfurther noted that the rotational movement of the semispherical base 22increases the ease of moving the semispherical base 22 along the ground30 by negating the static friction that would otherwise exist betweenthe ground 30 and a stationary semispherical base 22.

FIGS. 5A-5C are front views of a lower portion of the trimmer headassembly 12 including the spinning support guide 10. These figuresillustrate the trimmer head assembly 12 in use at various angles ofoperation. At each angle of operation, the trimmer head assembly 12maintains a general point of contact with the ground. The point ofcontact varies with the angle of operation; however, all points ofcontact are on the surface of the generally semispherical base 22, andare generally a constant distance 34 from a focal point 36 located alongthe central axis of rotation 32. In other words, regardless of the angleof operation, the distance between the point of contact and the focalpoint 36 remains approximately constant during use of the grass trimmingapparatus 50. It will be appreciated that the distance 34 isapproximately equal to the radius of the semispherical base 22.

In one or more aspects of the invention, a kit is provided forretrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide.Such a kit includes some or all of the components illustrated anddiscussed above that are associated with the spinning support guide10,10′,10″. In at least one preferred embodiment, a spinning supportguide kit includes a base mount disc, one or more spacer discs, asemispherical base, one or more base mount disc fasteners for affixingthe base mount disc to the lower, rotatable portion of a trimmer headassembly, and one or more bottom fasteners.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a grasstrimming apparatus 350 including a trimmer head assembly 312 with aspinning support guide 310 in accordance with one or more aspects of thepresent invention. FIG. 7 is a side view of the trimmer head assembly312 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is another side view of the trimmer head assembly312 of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the trimmer head assembly 312of FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the spinning supportguide 310 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

As shown in FIGS. 6-10, the spinning support guide 310 is affixed to theunderside of the housing 314. The spinning support guide 310 comprises asemispherical base 322 and trimmer head assembly, one or more basefasteners including a centrally located base fastening bolt 324, and aplurality of fastening screws 326. Both the base fastening bolt 324 andthe plurality of fastening screws 326 completely extend through the base322 and partially extend through the underside of the trimming area 314of the trimmer head assembly so as to securely fasten the base 322 tothe remainder of the grass trimming apparatus 350.

As seen in FIGS. 7-10, the base fastening bolt 324 is centrally locatedand protrudes slightly beyond the surface of the semispherical base 322.The plurality of fastening screws 326 are recessed within a plurality ofopenings 328 in the semispherical base 322, as perhaps best shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. While in use, a portion of the semispherical base 322 isin direct contact with the ground. The shape of the semispherical base322 easily allows a user to tilt and angle the grass trimming apparatus350. It will be appreciated that the point of contact with the groundwill change depending on the angle of operation of the trimmer headassembly.

FIGS. 11-22 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a grass trimmingapparatus including a trimmer head assembly 412 with a spinning supportguide 410. FIG. 11 is a side view of the trimmer head assembly 412. Thetrimmer head assembly 412 includes a removable spinning support guide410 attached to an underside of the housing assembly 414.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the trimmer head assembly 412 of FIG.11 with a standard end cap 430 threadably attached to the underside ofthe housing 414. Many available grass trimming apparatuses include sucha threadably attached end cap. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of thetrimmer head assembly 412 of FIG. 12 with the standard end cap 430removed to reveal an integral threaded receptacle 425 on the undersideof the housing 414. FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the standard end cap430, including a threaded end cap fastener 432. The integral threadedreceptacle 425 is adapted to threadably receive the threaded end capfastener 432, thus attaching the standard end cap 430 to the undersideof the housing 414.

FIGS. 15-19 show the spinning support guide 410 in detail. FIG. 15 is adetailed perspective view of the spinning support guide 410 of FIG. 11.FIG. 16 is a top view of the spinning support guide 410 of FIG. 11. FIG.17 is a cross-sectional view of the spinning support guide 410 takenalong line 17-17 of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the spinningsupport guide 410 of FIG. 11. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of thespinning support guide 410.

The spinning support guide 410 includes a base mount disc 416, a spacerdisc 420, and semispherical base 422. As best seen in FIG. 17, the basemount disc 416, spacer disc 420 and semispherical base 422 are attachedusing two disc fasteners 418, such as flush mount machine screws. It iscontemplated that a user may alter the total height of the spinningsupport guide 410 by removing the disc fasteners 418 and adding orsubtracting spacer discs 420.

The spinning support guide 410 further comprises a guide fastener 424.The guide fastener 424 is configured to affix the spinning support guide410 to the underside of the housing 414. The guide fastener 424 isthreaded and adapted to threadably attach to the integral threadedreceptacle 425 on the underside of the housing 414. The guide fastener424 includes a hexagonal opening on its head adapted for use with a hexkey or Allen wrench 460. As best shown in FIG. 17, the guide fastener424 is embedded within the spinning support guide 410. The semisphericalbase 422 includes a bottom opening 428 providing access to the head ofthe guide fastener 424.

To attach the spinning support guide 410 to the underside of the housing414, a user must remove the standard end cap 430, align the guidefastener 424 with the integral threaded receptacle 425, insert a hex keyor Allen wrench 460 into the bottom opening 428, engage the head of theguide fastener 424 with the hex key or Allen wrench 460, and rotate thehex key or Allen wrench 460 to threadably attach the guide fastener 424to the integral threaded receptacle 425.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are bottom views of the trimmer head assembly 412 ofFIG. 11. As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, the spinning support guide 410 mayinclude an opening cover 429 adapted to be inserted and cover the bottomopening 428. The opening cover 429 must be removed prior to accessingthe guide fastener 424.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

1. A kit for retrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinningsupport guide, comprising: (a) a base mount disc; (b) a base; and (c) aguide fastener; (d) wherein the base mount disc is adapted to affix tothe base and define a chamber for partially housing the guide fastenertherein; (e) wherein the guide fastener is adapted to threadably attachto a threaded receptacle on an underside of the grass trimmingapparatus.
 2. The kit for retrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with aspinning support guide of claim 1, further comprising one or more spacerdiscs.
 3. The kit for retrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with aspinning support guide of claim 2, wherein the one or more spacer discsand the base each have a diameter of approximately two and one-halfinches (2½″).
 4. The kit for retrofitting a grass trimming apparatuswith a spinning support guide of claim 2, wherein each of the one ormore spacer discs has a thickness between three-eighths inch (⅜″) andone and five-eighths inches (1⅝″).
 5. The kit for retrofitting a grasstrimming apparatus with a spinning support guide of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more disc fasteners for attaching the base mount discto the base.
 6. The kit for retrofitting a grass trimming apparatus witha spinning support guide of claim 5, wherein the one or more discfasteners are flush-mount machine screws.
 7. The kit for retrofitting agrass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide of claim 1,wherein the base is a semispherical base.
 8. The kit for retrofitting agrass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide of claim 1,wherein the guide fastener includes a head with a hexagonal opening. 9.The kit for retrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinningsupport guide of claim 8, wherein the kit further comprises a hex keyfor rotating the guide fastener.
 10. The kit for retrofitting a grasstrimming apparatus with a spinning support guide of claim 1, wherein thebase mount disc is cylindrical.
 11. The kit for retrofitting a grasstrimming apparatus with a spinning support guide of claim 1, wherein thebase mount disc includes a centrally located aperture.
 12. The kit forretrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide ofclaim 1, wherein the base mount disc and base are constructed from aplastic material.
 13. A kit for retrofitting a grass trimming apparatuswith a spinning support guide, comprising: (a) a base mount disc; (b) asemispherical base; (c) a guide fastener having a head with a hexagonalopening; (d) one or more spacer discs; (e) one or more disc fasteners;and (f) a hex key; (g) wherein the base mount disc is adapted to affixto the semispherical base with the one or more disc fasteners and definea chamber for partially housing the guide fastener therein; (h) whereinthe hex key is adapted to rotate the guide fastener to threadably attachto a threaded receptacle on an underside of the grass trimmingapparatus.
 14. A method of retrofitting a spinning support guide to agrass trimming apparatus, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a kitfor retrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning supportguide, the kit including: i. a base mount disc; ii. a base; iii. one ormore spacer discs; iv. a guide fastener including a head with ahexagonal opening; v. one or more disc fasteners; and vi. a hex key; (b)providing a grass trimming apparatus, including a trimmer head assemblyhaving a threaded receptacle on the underside thereof; (c) attaching thebase mount disc to the base with the one or more disc fasteners, suchthat the guide fastener is partially disposed within the base; (d)aligning the guide fastener with the threaded receptacle; and (e)rotating the guide fastener with the hex key, thereby threadablyattaching the guide fastener to the threaded receptacle.
 15. The methodof retrofitting a spinning support guide to a grass trimming apparatusof claim 14, further comprising the step of placing, prior to attachingthe base to the base mount disc, a first spacer disc of the one or morespacer discs between the base mount disc and the base, such that uponattachment of the base, the first spacer disc is disposed between thebase mount disc and the base.
 16. The method of retrofitting a spinningsupport guide to a grass trimming apparatus of claim 15, furthercomprising the step of placing, prior to attaching the base to the basemount disc, a second spacer disc of the one or more spacer discsproximate the first spacer disc, such that upon attachment of the basethe first spacer disc and the second spacer disc are disposed betweenthe base mount disc and the base.
 17. The method of retrofitting aspinning support guide to a grass trimming apparatus of claim 16,wherein the first spacer disc has a first thickness and the secondspacer disc has a second thickness, and wherein the first thickness isnot equal to the second thickness.
 18. The method of retrofitting aspinning support guide to a grass trimming apparatus of claim 14,wherein the base is a semispherical base.